Front running Booker could clash with brilliant Sydney filly She Will Reign in the Group 1 $500,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) in a fortnight after scoring an all the way in the Group 3 $150,000 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield today.
Booker, above, led all of the way to win the Kevin Hayes Stakes at Caulfield. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Co-trainer Mathew Ellerton hinted that Booker may drop back to the 1100m of the Oakleigh Plate after her stunning return to the winner’s stall following a short break.
“Possibly might go back to 1100m and run her in the Oakleigh Plate,” Ellerton said.
“We will just let the dust settle. Sprinting three year olds in the Autumn, there is not much for them.”
“She will be much improved from this run.”
“She is a pretty impressive sort of filly now, looks like a big three year old colt so hope she pulls up well and move forward with her further in this prep.”
Booker was sent out as one of the top fancies at $4.60 and winning jockey Dawyne Dunn had no hesitation in taking the Written Tycoon filly straight to the front from barrier six.
Runner up Leather’N’Lace ($18) ran home solidly from the back while See Me Exceed ($21) stuck to her guns to fill third placing.
The short priced $2.80 favourite Shoals was always well back in the field and never threatened before winding up in eight spot, just over seven lengths from the winner.
Booker had always shown plenty of ability and in the Spring was able to win the Group 2 $200,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas Prelude (1400m) at Caulfield before finishing sixth to Aloisia in the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield.
Early in the day at Warwick Farm She Will Reign returned to the race track in dynamic form to lead all of the way to win the $250,000 Inglis Sprint (1100m) and trainer Gary Portelli is keen to head to Melbourne with her to run in the Oakleigh Plate.
The post Oakleigh Plate a possibility for Kevin Hayes Stakes winner Booker appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.